Success Story: Meet India’s first farmer who grows the world’s most expensive Miyazaki mango in his terrace garden

Success Story: Joseph Lobo began his professional life as a driver and is a resident of Shankarpur, Udupi, Karnataka. Nonetheless, he became interested in farming because of his love of the outdoors and desire to have a good impact on the environment. Joseph began his agricultural endeavors with great hope, cultivating jasmine, a crop that was common in his community. But the geographical constraints and logistical difficulties inherent in conventional farming soon proved to be formidable obstacles.

Accepting Terrace Agriculture

Joseph made the decision to begin terrace farming because he was determined to continue working in agriculture. This change gave him the freedom to investigate a greater variety of crops and get around space restrictions. His most noteworthy accomplishment in this new endeavor has been to cultivate Miyazaki mangoes. This high-end Japanese mango cultivar is renowned for its remarkable flavor and sweetness. “I am the first person in India and the Gulf countries to grow Miyazaki mangoes on a terrace,” Joseph declares with pride.

Joseph’s Success

Because of its unusual form, the Miyazaki mango is sometimes referred to as the Egg Mango and is a luxury fruit with a high market value. priced per kilogram at up to Rs. 2.74 lakh. Miyazaki mango trees take about three and a half years to produce fruit, so cultivating them calls for perseverance and commitment. Since it is uncommon in India and the Gulf nations for someone to cultivate these delicate mangoes in a terrace environment, Joseph’s accomplishment is very noteworthy.

Rather of using any unique methods, Joseph cultivates his Miyazaki mangoes using organic methods. In addition to using cocopeat, biocompost, and organic manures, he also utilizes organic liquid activzyme, sometimes known as Activmax, to promote plant development.

Joseph concentrates on selling plant seedlings for Rs. 2,500 per rather than his fruits. He has sent these seedlings to places like Delhi, Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Mangalore in his capacity as a grafting expert. Even though he doesn’t provide an internet service, consumers come to him in person because of the quality of his saplings. Notably, he was just bought out by a Mumbai businessman who bought 100 plants.

Notable Feature Air Potato

The air potato is yet another remarkable feature of Joseph’s terrace farm. Air potatoes grow above earth, in contrast to traditional potatoes, which are cultivated below ground. A single air potato root may yield up to 500 potatoes thanks to its special quality, and a single plant can provide income for a whole year. This crop gives a higher yield while also demonstrating a more environmentally friendly method of potato cultivation.

Joseph devoted the last twenty years of his life to farming

Joseph has dedicated the last twenty years of his life to farming. He cultivates more than 350 types of fruits and vegetables, both Indian and foreign, on his 1,400 square foot terrace farm. His collection consists of thirty different species of mangoes (Katimon, Vastara, Kalapadi, Mallika, Neelam, Ratnagiri, Baramasi, and of course, Miyazaki) and approximately seventy varieties of cherries (Barbera, British, and Cocoplum cherry). He grows Finger lemons, Kolkata lemons, Variegated lemons, and Seedless Malta lemons.

Recognition and Lifelong Learning

Joseph is a lifelong student who often visits Krishi Expos to pick up new skills and find unusual flora. It is because of his commitment that he has been able to grow such a wide variety of plants. There is recognition for his efforts to agriculture. Organizations such as Manipal Technologies Limited (MTL), Jasmin Business Center, Rotary, and Lions Club have all bestowed honors upon him.

Instructor and Supporter

Joseph has made contributions outside of his farm. He often attends Krishi Expos all throughout India, where he continuously picks up new skills and acquires unusual plants to improve his farm. Every evening from 6 to 8 PM, he provides free consults to farmers, demonstrating his dedication to education. He uses his YouTube channel as a forum to discuss challenges in the agricultural industry and to increase public knowledge of growing fruits and vegetables.

Joseph grows his own manure, maintains a small nursery, and offers farmers landscaping services in addition to his agricultural endeavors. Joseph works long hours and makes a significant contribution to agriculture with the help of his wife and a group of fifteen workers.

Use organic methods

Simple yet effective is Joseph Lobo’s counsel to other farmers and the general public: “Never use chemicals that are on the market; they are poison.” Adopt sustainable practices, preserve the environment, and use organic methods. “Every home should have at least one plant,” he said in closing.

The transformation of Joseph Lobo from a chauffeur to a well-known urban farmer serves as an example of how enthusiasm and tenacity can result in ground-breaking accomplishments in sustainable agriculture. His creative terrace farming methods are inspiring and serve as a reminder of the significant influence that even the tiniest green space can have.